You  might remember this sweet couple, Ashton and Anthony, from their engagement photos at the Washington National Cathedral last summer. Getting to photograph them again was such a gift. This time, we met on a crisp fall morning for sunrise portraits at the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC — only this session was extra special because they brought along their wedding attire for some truly timeless bridal portraits.

Late October in the District is always magical, and on this particular morning, the leaves were at their absolute peak. We had a blustery breeze sweeping across the Tidal Basin, but Ashton and Anthony embraced it fully, taking each gust as another excuse to hold each other close. Their joy and warmth more than made up for the chill in the air.

Because this session took place during the government shutdown, the National Mall was unusually quiet. While the monuments remained open, there were no staff on site and almost no visitors in the early hours. It felt like we had the entire Jefferson Memorial to ourselves; an incredibly rare gift in a city that’s usually buzzing with tourists. The stillness created an intimate, almost cinematic atmosphere that allowed us to move freely and focus entirely on the two of them, without waiting for crowds to pass or searching for open spaces.

One of the highlights of the morning was photographing Ashton’s stunning wedding gown. If you can believe it, the dress was handmade by Anthony’s mother. She is an incredibly talented seamstress who has created custom gowns for all the women in their family — even her own! Each dress is designed with the wearer’s personality and unique style in mind, making this a beautiful family tradition and such a meaningful detail to document.

Spending the morning with Ashton and Anthony again reminded me why I love what I do. Their connection, their laughter, and the traditions they share made this session unforgettable. I’m so grateful to have been a small part of their story and wish them all the happiness in their married life ahead.